privacy-settings/Privacy Settings/Windows-11.md

5.9 KiB

Windows 11 Privacy Settings

Go to Settings.

System

Notifications

  • Additional settings >
    • Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device: Off
    • Get tips and suggestions when using Windows: Off

Nearby sharing

  • Off (Enable this only when needed. Remember to turn it off when no longer required.)

Remote Desktop

This feature is not available in Home editions

  • Off (Enable this only when needed. Remember to turn it off when no longer required.)
  • Require device to use Network Level Authentication to connect: On

Bluetooth & devices

Do not link

AutoPlay

  • Use AutoPlay for all media and devices: Off

Network & internet

Ethernet

  • DNS server assignment > Edit >
    • Edit DNS settings: Manual
    • IPv4: On
      • Preferred DNS: enter IPv4 address of a provider from this list

        Example: For Quad9, enter 9.9.9.9

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

      • Alternate DNS: enter alternate IPv4 address of the same provider as above or a different provider

        Example: For Quad9, enter 149.112.112.112

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

    • IPv6: On
      • Preferred DNS: enter IPv6 address of a provider from this list

        Example: For Quad9, enter 2620:fe::fe

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

      • Alternate DNS: enter alternate IPv6 address of the same provider as above or a different provider

        Example: For Quad9, enter 2620:fe::9

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

Wi-Fi

  • Random hardware addresses: On
  • Hardware properties > DNS server assignment > Edit
    • Edit DNS settings: Manual
    • IPv4: On
      • Preferred DNS: enter IPv4 address of a provider from this list

        Example: For Quad9, enter 9.9.9.9

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

      • Alternate DNS: enter alternate IPv4 address of the same provider as above or a different provider

        Example: For Quad9, enter 149.112.112.112

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

    • IPv6: On
      • Preferred DNS: enter IPv6 address of a provider from this list

        Example: For Quad9, enter 2620:fe::fe

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

      • Alternate DNS: enter alternate IPv6 address of the same provider as above or a different provider

        Example: For Quad9, enter 2620:fe::9

      • DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template)

      • Fallback to plaintext: Off

Personalization

Lock screen

  • Personalize your lock screen
    • select Picture or Slideshow
    • Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen: Off

Device usage

  • Turn everything off

Apps

Installed apps

Uninstall anything you don't use like XBox, candy crush, some other preinstalled apps/games etc. Be sure not to uninstall anything important. If you have doubts about any app, either ask or search the net.

Accounts

Your info

Delete your account picture and set it to default.

  • Choose a file > Browse files
  • Go to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\AccountPictures and delete your picture.
  • Go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\User Account Pictures and select any one.

NOTE: AppData is a hidden folder by default.

  • To enable: in file explorer on top click View > Show > select Hidden items.

Sign-in options

  • Show account details such as my email address on the sign-in screen: Off

Time & language

Typing

  • Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard: Off
  • Typing insights: Off

Privacy & security

Windows Security

  • Virus & threat protection > Virus & threat protection settings > Manage settings > All protections on (Except automatic sample submission)
  • Firewall & network protection > Firewall should be on for domain, public and private networks.

Find my device

  • Find my device: Off

General

  • All off

Speech

  • Online speech recognition: Off

Inking & typing personalization

  • Personal inking and typing dictionary: Off

Diagnostics & feedback

  • Diagnostic data > Send optional diagnostic data: Off
  • Improve inking & typing: Off
  • Tailored experiences: Off
  • Delete diagnostic data: Delete

Activity history

  • Send my activity history to Microsoft: Off

Search permissions

  • Cloud content search
    • Microsoft account: Off
    • Work or School account: Off
  • More settings
    • Show search highlights: Off

App permissions

  • Review each permission and disable accordingly (choose which apps can have access to location, camera, microphone, notifications etc. If any app doesn't need something, turn it off.)
  • App diagnostics > Toggle off both

Windows Update

Advanced options

  • Delivery Optimization > Allow downloads from other PCs: Off


Disable ads in file explorer

Open file explorer. Click 3 dots menu on top, located to the right of "View" > Options >

  • Click "View" on top of the new popup >
    • Uncheck "Show sync provider notifications"
    • Click Apply
    • Also click "Apply to Folders" on top (if available)

Disable telemetry service

Win key + r > type services.msc > press enter

  • Double-click on "Connected User Experiences and Telemetry" >
    • Service Status: Stopped (Click on Stop, if service is running)
    • Startup Type: Disabled
    • Click OK

Win key + r > type regedit > press enter > Yes

  • Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
  • Right click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > name it as BingSearchEnabled
  • Double click it and make sure "Value data" is set to 0
  • Open Task Manager > Processes > select Windows Explorer > Right click > Restart